System and method for target detection

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a target detection apparatus which attaches to a purpose-built or existing golf target placed on a driving range, golf course or other golfing facility for purposes of play or competition, whereby players attempt to hit their golf ball at or into the target. The invention enhances the targets functionality by enabling it to provide near instant feedback to players and others that it has been hit. Through the use of a sensor and indicator system, the target of a preferred embodiment can sense a golf ball hitting it or landing in it and draw the attention of the player or others through an indicator, which is currently a LED array. The design consists of an array of vibration sensors, each attachable to the target landing surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards golf targets that provide near instant feedback to players and spectators whenever the target is successfully hit. The golf targets may be purpose-designed with the invention incorporated, or upgraded by adding the invention to provide this functionality. The feedback is through an indicator, which is typically a LED array.

BACKGROUND

The number of U.S. golfers has dropped 24 percent since 2002, losing over a million players in 2013 alone (source: “How Golf got Stuck in The Rough,” Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Jun. 23-29 2014 at pp. 23-24). One of the reasons for the decreased popularity of golf, especially amongst the millennials, is the time it takes to play an 18-hole golf course (approximately four hours) and the lack of mass social interaction afforded players. The decreasing in popularity of the game of golf is a problem that remains largely unsolved. As a result, during the decade to 2016, approximately 800 golf courses have closed according to Bloomberg.

Driving ranges are an alternative to a round of golf, offering the opportunity to reduce the time spent on the activity. Typically, they present an inferior alternative to the game of golf. Specifically, while players can use driving ranges at any time of the day and there is no specific time-commitment, these facilities typically do not offer the environment of a competitive game and typically do not offer mass social interaction. There are rare exceptions of course. Brand new and very successful driving ranges have been built at the cost of millions of dollars which incorporate RFID technology in the balls and throughout the facility to enable masses of players to enjoy competition and group interaction. These facilities are few and available locations are limited. Other than the traditional golf game and driving ranges, operators are looking to address the declining market by modifying the offering to customers through the creation of more social experiences, family experiences, and the staging of activities which combine well with food and beverages sales such happy hour events. This invention addresses this new direction. For example, golf targets can be moved to locations near club house terraces, illuminated for evening visibility, and the indicator system incorporated to provide a visual experience for those playing and the spectators while consuming food and beverages at a time when golf would not normally be enjoyed.

In a generally declining market, however, operators are reluctant to make large investments. This invention is affordable and brings tangible enhancements to the player experience within the reach of almost all facilities.

Adding feedback indicators to golf targets enables players to enjoy near instant confirmation that their shot hit the target, facilitates players playing informal games among their group, and allows players and non-players alike to recognize a successful shot and be involved and/or entertained. The goal is to help operators offer a golf experience that is less of an individual activity, facilitate the inclusion and enjoyment of spectators, fulfill the feel of playing golf in a shorter amount of time and to extend the golfing calendar into off-peak times on the tradition golf game calendar. By doing so, it is hoped that driving ranges and golf clubs will be more visited and that the added enjoyment factor will promote the game and clubs to younger players, families, and different demographics without significantly increasing the cost to play. U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,828, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, illustrates a version of golf target games.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an indicator system employed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a top-view illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional illustration along the line I-II of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a vibration sensor array employed in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of a vibration sensor assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides operators of a golf club, driving range or other golfing establishment with the opportunity to enhance their customer experience simply and cheaply through the modification of their golf targets or the temporary or permanent installation of new ones with this invention incorporated.

A golf ball hitting or landing in a target almost always produces a shock and vibrations, but the size and propagation of the vibrations depends on the materials and assembly of the target. Golf targets have vibration propagation parameters which can be determined through attaching vibration sensor assemblies to the target and assessing the results. When the optimum placement locations and number of sensor assemblies has been determined, a sensor array can be produced for that target. A preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates targets that have been designed to provide several advantages, including: being clearly visible to the players; being sized for a given distance so that players neither find it too easy or too difficult to hit; replicating the challenges a golfer typically faces when playing golf and the golfer's ball is within 200 yards of the hole (hereafter referred to as the short game); ensuring that a golf ball landing in the target produces enough vibrations to trigger the array of vibration sensors (sensor array) distributed across the underside (of horizontal or ramp like targets) or backside (of vertical targets) of the target's landing surface; withstanding the elements for approximately three years; and preventing false triggers by weather elements, such as wind.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to physical targets placed in the field, which players aim to strike or land their golf ball in. A sensor array has been designed to be attached to a purpose-designed or preexisting target so that when a ball hits it or lands in it, the resulting vibrations are correctly sensed and a signal created to activate an indicator to the players (or any other observers) that the target has been hit. The preferred embodiments employ compatible purpose-designed targets so that the sensor array may be standardized amongst different form factors and relatively easy to attach at pre-designated positions.

Golf ball targets according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention may be placed on driving ranges, golf courses and other golfing facilities. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, golf targets without a sensor array may be converted into a sensing target by attaching a sensor array of the present invention. An existing target may still be suitable for enhancement whether or not they incorporate existing ball recognition or feedback systems such as those with color sensors and RFID antennae. U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,828, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, illustrates ball recognition and feedback systems that can be incorporated into the system of the present invention.

An advantage of the present invention includes providing instant feedback and thereby achieving a useful enhancement as it negates the need for the participants and spectators to continually look at the displays or, if the targets are not equipped with the invention, rely on their eyesight, which is not suited to tracking a golf ball.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a sensor array, made of sensor assemblies all preferably connected in parallel to each other, are connected by wires to, for example, a micro timer and/or relay. In accordance with one embodiment, when the golf ball hits or enters the target, the resulting vibrations cause the sensor array to generate a signal which the micro timer and/or relay uses to activate an indicator, typically a LED, which is visible to the players and others in attendance during daylight and nighttime.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the sensor array is designed to pack up and fit into a relatively small (e.g., 10 inch×10 inch) pouch. It can be attached with hook-and-loop material, wire hangers, or other attachments to purpose-built or existing targets. In accordance with one embodiment, the sensor assemblies weigh less than an ounce, making numerous attachment methods possible.

According to one embodiment, depending on the size of the target, any number of sensor assemblies may be added to the sensor array to ensure full coverage of the target. A golf ball entering or hitting a target produces vibrations dependent, among other factors, on the rigidity of the frame, the type and tension of material used as the landing surface, and the assembly of the system. In certain embodiments, in order for the sensor array to result in the required signal being generated, additional sensor assemblies may need to be added based on the size and rigidity of the target. Preferred embodiments disclosed in the present invention have already been tested by the inventor, so the sensor array for those targets will have clearly marked attachment locations and not typically require modification.

Other embodiments of the present invention encompass application other than golf. Specifically, given the design enables golf targets to indicate to users nearly instantaneously whether there has been a successful hit, there are numerous other applications for the system, including soccer targets, throwing sports practice targets (e.g., football, baseball, cricket or Frisbee), and racket sports targets (e.g., tennis). All of these applications are contemplated as a part of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the indicator system 10 of a preferred embodiment includes at least a power source 12 (e.g., a 12V battery), a vibration sensor array 14, a timer 16, and a success indicator 18 (e.g., indicator LEDs). In a preferred embodiment, the power source 12 is integrated into the system so that the targets can be placed anywhere, without the need for a power outlet nearby. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor array 14 may use Gikfun SW-18010P or SW-18020P vibration sensors as component parts. The former is more sensitive than the latter. Other types of sensors may be used in the array, such as piezo-electric and accelerometers.

The sensor array is attached to the underside or backside of a target landing surface. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the largest target being used is a purpose-built, octagonally-shaped target measuring 30 feet across. This requires an array of four to six of the SW-18010P (more sensitive) sensors. The smallest target is a two square foot target and requires a single SW-18020P (less sensitive) sensor. The indicator system is designed to attach to the target easily using hook-and-loop material or a wire hanger about the size of a paper clip.

The sensor array 14 is paired with a timer 16 to create an indication signal that notifies the players of a successful strike. Each sensor assembly 32 in the sensor array 14 is configured to detect only vibrations characteristic of a golf ball strike, i.e. quick, strong shocks to the landing surface. Likewise, each sensor assembly 32 in the sensor array 14 of the preferred embodiment is configured not to falsely sense vibrations from the wind and rain and golf course and driving range equipment such as golf ball collectors and sprinklers. A timer 16 is preferably used in conjunction with the indicator 18. The indicator 18 may be an LED array (or another form of illumination), a sound, or a signal to a mobile device. In a preferred embodiment, once a vibration is sensed by the sensor array 14, the timer 16 receives the signal from the array and, in turn, the timer provides power to the indicator LED to illuminate for a predetermined period of time (for example, flashing for three seconds) long enough for players and observers to be able to notice it. When the predetermined period of time expires, the timer 16 re-arms for detection and the system is able to detect further ball hits. During the day, LEDs visible during the evening or nighttime may not be visible. In order to ensure the LEDs are visible during the daytime, a relay may be included in the circuit. In the preferred embodiment, for daytime use, a relay is added to the circuit to increase ability of the timer to power 20A of current, which is outside the maximum limit of most timers.

Referring to FIG. 2, the target assembly 20 includes a frame 22 and a landing surface 24. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the material used for the frame 22 is a relatively light weight, preferably tubular steel, and the material used for the landing surface 24 is a preferably vinyl-coated polyester mesh (but other similar material may be substituted). The mesh provides a combination of improved visibility and weatherability. The mesh also helps reduce vibrations caused by wind, as the mesh landing surface 24 is preferably heavy enough to hang in place and permeable enough to allow wind to pass through, rather than cause quick shocks to the surface from flapping, which could trigger a false-positive indication in the sensor array. The preferred weight for the landing surface material is 250 g per square meter, as this has the advantage of being light enough for one person to move it around (the largest purpose designed target landing surface is approximately 60 meters square which weighs approximately 15 kilograms). In order to facilitate the portability of the targets, the frame 22 is preferably easily disassembled for storage, and the landing surface 24 is foldable, with the largest piece foldable to a small (e.g., three foot) square.

The frame 22 of the target assembly preferably withstands repeated golf ball strikes and is robust enough to stand outside for a prolonged period time. It allows the transfer of resulting vibrations from golf ball strikes and prevents the transfer of resulting vibrations from other strikes, such as from moveable equipment, hitting the frame 22 to the landing surface 24. In one embodiment, the landing surface 24 is attached to the frame 22 by regularly spaced grommets 28 in the landing surface fitting over vertical protrusions 26 on the frame. The frame dimensions ensure the landing surface 24 is kept in sufficient tension to produce vibrations detectable by the sensor array but not so much tension that the golf ball bounces out of the target which is also shown in FIG. 2B, which is a cross-section of FIG. 2A along line I-II. The regular spacing of attachments 28 and 29 allow the landing surface 24 to hang evenly in a shallow bowl shape which helps contain the golf ball and ensure it produces sufficient vibrations which the sensor array can detect either on landing or when travelling to the back rim of the landing surface.

By optimizing the tension in the landing surface 24 to propagate vibrations while at the same time preventing the ball from bouncing out of the target, the sensor array can be placed at specific locations on the target to efficiently measure vibrations caused by the golf balls without the need to distribute an excess number of sensor assemblies across the entire surface, making the sensor array unnecessarily large and therefore less efficient for the user. FIG. 3 shows an example target configuration of a preferred embodiment: a horizontal target in the shape of an octagon about 30 feet across. This target is placed typically between 75 and 200 yards away. Golf balls will tend to land in it from one direction, given that players all hit from roughly the same place. Many on-target golf ball strikes will land in the target and then travel along the surface and hit the back rim 34, where much of the energy is removed from the ball. The sensor array 14 (typically six sensor assemblies 32 placed about 5 feet apart) is placed across the target towards the back rim 34, so vibrations may be measured upon impact as the golf ball lands on the landing surface and/or upon impact with the back rim.

The indicator system 10 may be incorporated into preexisting targets, which may or may not be equipped with other methods of ball detection, as long as the targets are capable of producing a measurable vibration when hit with a golf ball. One such application of the indicator system 10 is to attach it to banners which may be temporarily or permanently set up on a golf course to turn them into targets. When attaching the indicator system 10 to preexisting targets, the user must be prepared to add or remove sensor assemblies 32 to or from the sensor array 14, move sensor assemblies 32 closer or further apart, and/or change the sensitivity of the sensor assemblies 32 according to the response of the sensor array 14.

The Sensor Array

In accordance with the preferred embodiments, any number of sensor assemblies 32 may be connected in parallel to form the sensor array 14, which provides a trigger signal 15 to the timer 16, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a sensor assembly 32 includes a vibration sensor 82, a stiffener 84, an attachment device 86, wires 88, an outer casing 90 and an electrical connector 92. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the vibration sensor 82 could be either of the two types of vibration sensors used in the preferred embodiment (SW-18010P and SW-18020P), which may be combined or interchanged according to any needs of a target design. The vibration sensor 82 is electrically connected to the electrical connector 92 by two coated, conducting wires 88, and the electrical connector 92 can in turn be electrically connected to a sensor array 14. Running below the two wires 88 from the vibration sensor 82 to the electrical connector 92 is a stiffener 84 to the sensor assembly 32. In some embodiments, the stiffener 84 can be a length of wire. The stiffener 84 also acts as a vibration propagator. Without the stiffener 84, the sensitivity of the vibration sensor 82 is reduced and more sensor assemblies 32 are required or the system simply will not operate effectively. Also attached to the assembly 32 towards the electrical connector 92 end of the sensor assembly is an attachment device 86, which in some embodiments may be a wire hook, hook-and-loop material strip, or other mechanism to attach the sensor assembly to the target. The attachment device 86 is located towards the electrical connector 92 end in order not to reduce the sensitivity of the vibration sensor 82. Testing has shown that the cantilever type design is the most reliable and sensitive and therefore can be installed most efficiently on a larger target. For smaller targets, unless very rigid, sensitivity is less of a factor because the sensor assembly is close to the impact point of the golf ball and sometimes the sensitivity needs to be reduced such as by incorporating a SW-18020P sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 32 is contained in an outer casing 90. The sensor array 14 is fully customizable in terms of number of sensor assemblies 32 included and therefore can be fitted successfully to many existing targets in addition to the prescribed array of the purpose built targets making up the preferred embodiment.

Target Design

Target designs can be embodied in various different forms, including the horizontal plane (shown in FIG. 2), the vertical plane (shown in FIG. 4), and the inclined plane target (shown in FIG. 5).

In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal plane target is octagonal in shape (20 of FIG. 2) and may be made in different diameters. For instance, target sizes may include small (10 feet across), medium (20 feet across) and large (30 feet across) for placing at increasingly further distances from the players hitting golf balls. The frames preferably stand 2 ½ feet, 3 ½ feet and 4 ½ feet high at the top of the frame leg respectively. U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,828, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, illustrates known receptacle structures that can be incorporated into the horizontal target structure of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the vertical embodiment 40 of FIG. 4 may be made in one adjustable size—5 foot—8 foot high and 8 feet wide, with a 5 foot across and 3 foot high ball collector 43 located near the top. The frame 42 stands substantially perpendicular to the ground and the landing surface 44 attaches to the frame 42. The sensor array 64 is located on the back of the ball collector 43, such that on-target golf ball strikes hit the ball collector area and cause the sensor array to respond. Golf balls hitting outside this area do not produce enough vibrations to trigger the array due to the stiffness of the rim around the ball collection area and the softness of the side walls of the ball collection area. The ball then falls to the bottom of the target and either to the ground or to a known receptacle structure such as that in U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,828.

In a preferred embodiment, the ramp shaped embodiment 50 of FIG. 4 may be 5 feet long and 3 feet wide with a 2 foot wide and 1 foot long ball collector 53 located near the top of the ramp. The frame 52 is configured to ramp up starting from approximately ground level on the side of the target from which ball strikes will be traveling. The landing surface 54 attaches to the frame 52. The sensor array 74 is located at the bottom of the ball collector 53, such that on-target golf ball strikes may travel up the ramp 50 and fall into the ball collector 53. The sensor array is attached to the bottom of the ball collector so that the vibrations of the golf ball travelling up the landing do not trigger it. Only when the ball falls into the ball collector does sufficient vibration occur to do this. This is due to the tension in the landing surface being optimized and the stiffness of the ball collector area being low enough to prevent vibration propagation. The golf ball then falls to the ground or into a known receptacle structure such as that in U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,828.

In the preferred embodiment each target frame has the indicator LEDs attached with a bracket to the front side or simply hung from the frame so that all parties can see the indicator when it is triggered by the sensor array. The LEDs are covered in a wire mesh which protects the glass from a golf ball strike.

Testing Data

The golf targets in the preferred embodiment test three skills—distance control, height control, and speed control.

The horizontal octagon embodiment tests distance control. The large target offers the most versatility of placement, located between 75 yards and 200 yards away from the player. The medium target can be located 50 yards to 100 yards away from the player and the small target less than 50 yards away from the player. The shots tested are approaches, pitches and chips up to 200 yards.

The vertical embodiment can test both the knockdown shot (such as a shot from under a tree limb which restricts the height) and the flop shot (an up and over shot over a short distance such as out of a bunker or over a bunker onto the green) when a small octagon is placed behind it. These two shots require height control and are placed within 25 yards.

The ramp-shaped embodiment can test the bump 'n run shot (a shot from off the green which runs up onto the green and towards the hole). It is a test of speed control and is typically placed within 25 yards. 

What is claimed:
 1. A system for indication of an on-target golf ball strike, said system comprising: a flexible landing surface capable of being detachably coupled to a target frame, said flexible landing surface configured to propagate at least a vibration from a contact of the on-target golf ball strike on the flexible landing surface and to direct a golf ball to a golf ball receptacle; a plurality of vibration sensors detachably coupled to the flexible landing surface, said plurality of vibration sensors configured to detect at least the propagated vibration and to generate one or more contact signals indicative of the propagated vibration; a processor operatively coupled to the plurality of vibration sensors, said processor configured to receive and process at least the one or more contact signals and to generate one or more output signals; and a display configured to display the one or more output signals.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vibration sensors is located closer to a first side of the flexible landing surface than to a second side.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible landing surface is further configured to propagate a vibration from a contact of the on-target golf ball strike on a target frame to which the flexible landing surface is detachably coupled.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a target frame, said target frame oriented to hold the flexible landing surface substantially parallel to the ground.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a target frame, said target frame oriented to hold the flexible landing surface substantially perpendicular to the ground.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a target frame, said target frame oriented to hold the flexible landing surface such that it creates a ramp up from the ground.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible landing surface includes a plurality of grommets; and said system further comprising a target frame, said target frame including a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions of the target frame are configured to insert into the plurality of grommets of the flexible landing surface.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible landing surface includes a first plurality of hook-and-loop material straps configured to detachably couple the flexible landing surface to a target frame.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the flexible landing surface includes a second plurality of hook-and-loop material straps configured to detachably couple the flexible landing surface to a golf ball receptacle.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible landing surface is capable of being folded into a flat shape no greater than three feet wide in its longest dimension.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vibration sensors is capable of being carried in a pouch when detached from the flexible landing surface.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible landing surface is air-permeable.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is configured to stop displaying the one or more output signals after a predetermined period of time.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the vibration sensors are configured to be attached to the flexible landing surface using an extended hook configured to further propagate the propagated vibration from the flexible landing surface.
 15. A method for indication of an on-target golf ball strike, said method comprising: tensioning a flexible landing surface across a target frame such that the flexible landing surface is configured to propagate at least a vibration from a contact of the on-target golf ball strike on the flexible landing surface and to direct a golf ball to a golf ball receptacle; detecting at least the propagated vibration using a plurality of vibration sensors; generating one or more contact signals based on the detected vibration; processing at least the one or more contact signal as a display signal; and displaying the processed display signal.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the flexible landing surface is further configured to propagate a vibration from a contact of the on-target golf ball strike on a target frame to which the flexible landing surface is detachably coupled.
 17. A means for indication of an on-target golf ball strike comprising: means for propagating at least a vibration from a contact of the on-target golf ball strike, wherein said means for propagating the vibration are capable of being detachably coupled to a frame; means for directing a golf ball to a golf ball receptacle; means for detecting at least the propagated vibration and generating one or more contact signals indicative of the propagated vibration, wherein said means for detecting and generating are capable of being detachably coupled to the means for propagating the vibration; means for receiving and processing at least the one or more contact signals; means for generating one or more output signals; and means for displaying the one or more output signals.
 18. The means of claim 17, wherein the means for detecting at least the propagated vibration are located closer to a first side of the means for propagating the vibration than to a second side.
 19. The means of claim 17, further comprising a means for holding the means for propagating the vibration substantially parallel to the ground.
 20. The means of claim 17, further comprising a means for holding the means for propagating the vibration substantially perpendicular to the ground.
 21. The means of claim 17, further comprising a means for holding the means for propagating the vibration such that it creates a ramp up from the ground.
 22. The means of claim 17, wherein the means for propagating the vibration includes a plurality of attachment points; and said system further comprising a means for holding the means for propagating the vibration, said means for propagating the vibration including a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured to detachably couple to the plurality of attachment points.
 23. The means of claim 17, wherein the means for detecting at least the propagated vibration is capable of being carried in a pouch when detached from the means for propagating the vibration.
 24. The means of claim 17, wherein the means for propagating the vibration is further capable of being folded into a flat shape no greater than three feet wide in its longest dimension.
 25. The means of claim 17, wherein the means for propagating the vibration is air-permeable.
 26. The means of claim 17, wherein the means for displaying the one or more output signals is configured to stop displaying the one or more output signals after a predetermined period of time. 